Discover Knee Anatomy and Maladies

Interact with the knee anatomy and visually explore a patient’s right knee. Learn more about healthy knee terms, common ailments and injuries. Navigate and access anatomical terms and maladies by clicking on the labels.

Medial Meniscus

This crescent-shaped band of dense, fibrocartilage on the inside of the knee has strong attachments to the tibia. The medial meniscus transmits 50% of the force between the tibia and femur on that side of the knee. It also increases joint lubrication, acts as a shock absorber, and helps keep the knee stable. Unlike the lateral meniscus, the medial meniscus is firmly attached to the medial collateral ligament and the tibia, rendering the meniscus less mobile. This attachment causes the medial meniscus to be more prone to injury than the lateral meniscus.